On Friday (November 8), the Sejm will hold the first reading of the bill on a free Christmas Eve, even this year. Its authors are MPs from the Left. “A day off on Christmas Eve will make it easier for employees to combine professional and private life,” we read in the justification for the act. It was pointed out that many employees finish work earlier on December 24 anyway, so this day off for everyone could be introduced by law. This is the case in Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Ireland, Lithuania, Latvia, Slovakiaand in Hungary.
Christmas Eve is supposed to be a day off from work. “Sharp political talks”
The idea of the Left is supported by President Andrzej Duda. He recently announced that he would probably sign such a bill. Therefore, “pushing” it through the Sejm will be crucial. However, some Polish 2050 and politicians frown on an additional day off Polish People's Party. They thus express the will of entrepreneurs who are very unhappy with the Left's proposal. – This is a parliamentary project, so there are no coalition arrangements here and I expect (…) that there will be sharp political talks here – announced the Marshal of the Sejm, Szymon Hołownia.
Entrepreneurs have recently joined the long list of organizations that criticized the free Christmas Eve.pl. Representatives of the trade sector believe that such a solution would bring losses to the economy.
Entrepreneurs do not want additional time off. “Disruptions and shortages of goods”
The president of the National Federation of Entrepreneurs and Employers Przedsiębiorcy.pl, Robert Składowski, said that although the idea enjoys great support from many employees, its introduction may have consequences for various social groups. In his opinion, it may be particularly painful for the industries that record the highest turnover in the pre-Christmas period – trade and catering.
“There are also employees such as bakers, confectioners and couriers who play a key role in preparations for Christmas. By having Christmas Eve off, they will have to face an additional workload. A day off may mean stopping many production or logistics processes, which may lead to lower profits. Enterprises plan their production and must adapt their plans to the changed calendar. Disruptions in supply chains may lead to shortages of goods,” we read opinions on the draft act.
In return, Przedsiębiorcy.pl proposes that a discussion be held in Parliament whether to take Christmas Eve off on January 6 (Epiphany Day) or May 1 (considered Labor Day). “Since our ancestors worked to make May 1st a day off, it appears question“who will work so that our children and grandchildren can enjoy prosperity in our country in the future,” they emphasized.